All year, dancers train hard to prepare for competition season. The stretching, turning, and rehearsing throughout the year are all in preparation for the big moments on stage. The JV and varsity dancers work and train all year to be ready for competition season. 

This past weekend, the team traveled to the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando for UDA Regionals. UDA is the most prestigious high school dance team competition in the nation, and placing is a great accomplishment. This was their first competition of the season, and the Lourdes Dancers are off to a great start.

In both their jazz and hip-hop routines, the Varsity team placed 2nd, and the JV team placed 3rd in both as well. The girls are very proud of their accomplishments, and have come very far since the seniors’ freshman year. 

“We have worked so hard these past four years, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come,” JV co-captain Lilia Silveira said. “Now, with all of our hard work, we were able to go and even place in the top three.”

 The team continues to work hard on the road to UDA Nationals. They practice three times a week for two hours each day. They often have about 4 hour weekend practices to drill their routines and perfect them. Practices consist of warming up, and focusing cleaning the dances so everyone is together with good technique. They alternate between their jazz and hip-hop dances throughout the week.

“Practices are super important to help us clean and perfect our dances” JV captain Nicole El Harati said. “Now since nationals is around the corner, we’ve doubled our practice times to prepare. We have had prestigious choreographers in the dance industry come in to work with us to help our dances look perfect.”

On their trip to regionals, the Lourdes Dancers had the opportunity to watch UDA College Nationals. At college nationals, the best of the best teams perform, and it is truly a great opportunity to go and watch. Our dancers were able to see famous dance teams in person, watch their routines, and get inspiration for their own performances.

“Watching college nationals was honestly amazing,” senior Sarah Broe said. “I love the LSU Tiger Girls, and seeing them in person was an unforgettable experience.”

With all of their dedication, the Lourdes Dancers are sure to be ready for nationals. Going to UDA Nationals is the most anticipated weekend of the year for the dancers, filled with practicing, performing, and endless team bonding.

“I am so thankful to be on the team, it has been amazing,” varsity freshman Marcella Trivino said. “Our first competition was so fun, and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”